Just line up the edge of the track with your cut line and start cutting! Honestly, once I bought a track saw, I gave away my circular saw and never looked back! In a small workshop, a track saw can replace the need for a larger table saw, or even replace the table saw altogether! You can find out more about the difference between a track saw vs table saw here. A track saw can potentially replace a circular saw, a miter saw, and a table saw! If you’re short on space, this is a great option.
A circular saw performs double cuts as the rip cuts and the crosscut, whereas the track saw three. The circular saw has a protective guard, whereas the track saw has none. A circular saw is slightly heavy hence not easy to carry, whereas the track saw is lighter.
Before we move on to identify the differences between the circular saw and track saw, it would be a good idea to see what these two saws actually are and also their specific workability. Some of the conventional circular saw classification are hypoid circular saw, worm driven circular saw, and sidewinder circular saw. Track saw vs circular saw, both saw are unique and extremely use for woodworkers.
The main difference between a circular saw and a track saw is that track saws attach to tracks that guide them across the board to make a cut. A track saw also called a plunge saw is a handheld saw that slides along a rectangular track to create long cuts. Track saws are portable; you can carry the small, handheld track saw and the track to the wood you need to cut, rather than having to bring the wood to your saw. Although both the track saw and the circular saw use circular blades, the track saw’s blade is less visible and exposed than the circular saw’s. Overall, track saws and circular saws can make similar cuts, but track saws are usually quicker and neater than circular saws. Neither the track saw nor the circular saw is as efficient and accurate when making small adjustments to pieces or creating small pieces as the table saw. You lose the mobility of the track saw and circular saw and have to bring the pieces to the table saw itself.
If you just use a circular saw with homemade guide like you have been doing for years, then that will save you some money over buying the track saw and tracks. Aside from the potential of better dust collection, the track saw has an advantage of being able to put the edge of the track exactly on the line, often without requiring clamping, and the saw and track are essentially locked together for very precise motion while you make the cut. A regular circular saw can make the cut, but one must figure offsets in for positioning the straight edge and since the saw isn’t constrained to a straight line, the cut may or may not be as clean as with a track saw.
circular saw vs track saw Related Question:
Can any circular saw be used as a track saw?
A circular saw can be used for all the same functions as a track saw, but doesn’t necessarily do them quite as well. If you’re on a budget, you can turn your circular saw into a makeshift track saw with straight edge guide. You can make your own circular saw jig, or buy one instead.
Is a track saw the same as a circular saw?
A circular saw performs double cuts as the rip cuts and the crosscut, whereas the track saw three. The circular saw has a protective guard, whereas the track saw has none. A track saw has an enclosed blade to enhance dust extraction, whereas the circular saw lacks this feature.
Are track saws worth it?
Conclusion. A track saw is unbeatable when it comes to making long, accurate cuts. It can do most things a table and circular saw can, while being more portable than a table saw and more accurate than a circular saw. It’s also better than a table saw at breaking down large sheets of plywood.
Can you use a plunge saw as a circular saw?
A plunge saw is like a circular saw with a blade that spins and cuts, only with much more sophistication and accuracy. Rather than the guard retracting to expose the blade when cutting, such as with a circular saw, it has a fixed guard and the blade is exposed when plunging the handle to the pre-set depth.
What is a track saw good for?
The track saw is great for ripping boards, cutting trim, and providing splinter-free cuts across panels. The track saw is also excellent when used as a plunge saw because you can set it to a precise depth and it won’t fail you. You have the ultimate in control when working on wood flooring or sub flooring, for example.
How much should I spend on a circular saw?
A circular saw can cost between $50-$200. Depending on your budget for the tool, you may want to go either cheaper or pricier. There are factors that can affect the price, such as brand or size. You will want to consider them when buying your own circular saw.
Are track saws safer?
Track saws are much safer than table saws. Table saws are more powerful than track saws. Track saws allow you to cut large sheet goods that may be difficult to handle on a table saw.
Can you joint with a track saw?
As a result, a track can replace a jointer to square and joint the edges of timber. However, it cannot completely replace the ability of a jointer to remove bows, cups, and bends. Because you can cut straight edges with a track saw, it is an excellent tool for jointing lumber edges.
How deep can a track saw cut?
Most track saws can cut just over 2 inches deep; however, some of the larger track saws can cut up to 2½ inches deep.
How does a track saw stay in place?
While it cuts, a plunge-cut track saw rides along a stable track, which stays in place thanks to non-slip, non-marring pads on its underside.
Can a circular saw replace a table saw?
But can a circular saw replace a table saw? When wielded with enough skill and experience, a circular saw can replace a table saw. However, the time needed to accumulate the skills and knowledge makes a table saws’ price seen negligible in comparison.
How do you use a circular saw without a table?
Fit your circular saw with an edge guide. Set the depth of the blade accurately enough for it to go through the wood and not cut under the surface. Place the guide on base of the circular saw lines and markings you made earlier on the wood. Ensure that the saw is free to move, and the power cord is not entangled.
Is a track saw as accurate as a table saw?
Verdict: It Track Saw A table saw can make deeper cuts, narrower cuts, dadoes, and rabbets. With a standard setup or a commonly available dado stack, the table saw excels at several of these specialized types of cuts. A track saw really cannot make these cuts—at least not practically.
Does ridgid make a track saw?
DIY Track Saw Straight Edge: Featuring Ridgid’s Octane Circular Saw.
Which is safer table saw or circular saw?
Circular saws are generally more affordable than table saws, and they are also much safer. While it is perfectly possible to cause a serious injury with a circular saw, they are still much safer than table saws.
